Ron D. Cackler, lifelong Cushing resident and CEO for the Cushing Regional Hospital, passed away on Tuesday morning, December 16, 2008, at the age of 60 years.
The son of Richard Cackler and Jerva Bush Cackler, Ron was born on December 17, 1947 in Cushing, where he was reared and educated, graduating from Cushing High School in 1966.
Ron’s education includes: Bachelor of Science Degree from Southwestern State University in Weatherford; Masters in Healthcare Administration from Oklahoma State University, Stillwater; Doctor of Pharmacy Designation from the State of Oklahoma and Diplomat, American College of Healthcare Executives.
Ron worked for the Cushing Regional Hospital for 34 years. During this time he held two positions with the hospital; including, Director of Pharmacy, dual CEO for Cushing Regional Hospital and Bristow Medical Center and was currently serving as President and CEO of the Cushing Regional Hospital. In 2008, Ron was selected as CEO of the year for Ardent Health Resources.
Over the years Ron has earned numerous awards and has been affiliated with numerous civic organizations. Some of these include: member of the Oxford’s Who’s Who for extraordinary professionals, founding member and chairman of the Eastern Oklahoma Healthcare Network, past member of Oklahoma Hospital Association Board of Directors, voted as chairman of the Northeast District of the Oklahoma Hospital Association, past member of the Cushing Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, past president of the Cushing Alumni Association, past member of the Board of the Cushing School System Foundation, 32 Degree Master Mason with his consistory in Guthrie, current member of the Advisory Committee for Bank of Cushing and Advisory Committee for Cimarron Corrections of America.
Ron was united in marriage to Christie Dunaway on February 18, 2000 in Tulsa. After marriage, the couple made their home in Cushing.
Ron loved being involved in every aspect of the Hospital; he considered it part of his adopted family. He also enjoyed helping others in any way he could, working in the yard and different home improvement projects.
Survivors include his wife Christie of the home; his parents, Richard and Jerva Cackler of Cushing; mother-in-law, Judy Hale of Tulsa; children, Cecele Dunaway, Brad Turner and his wife Alisa, Jennifer Cackler, Brooke Cackler, Cody Cackler, Todd Dunaway and his wife Lisa and Dustin Dunaway; grandchildren, Tyler, Kaitlyn, Blake, Ashley, Tatum, Andrew and Lauren; one sister, Barbara Hungate and her husband Don; two brothers, Chuck Cackler and his wife JoAnne and Rick Cackler; brother-in-law, Ron Brents; numerous family members, friends and those he considered his adopted family, whether it be his dedication to the hospital or those he took in.
He was preceded in death by one brother, David Cackler.
Services will be held on Friday, December 19, 2008 at 2:00 P.M. in the First United Methodist Church with Reverend Tom Stewart officiating.
Burial will follow in the Euchee Valley Memorial Park Cemetery.
The family will greet friends on Thursday from 6-8 in the Floyd Family Center, East of the Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cushing Regional Hospital Foundation, PO Box 1496 Cushing OK 74023, in Ron’s honor.
You may share your condolences with the Cackler family at www.davisfh.net.
Services under the direction of the Davis Funeral Home.
***
